South African Test bowler negotiating English county deal

Dane Paterson, a fast bowler who played in South Africa's most recent two Test matches, is negotiating a Kolpak deal to play county cricket in England, according to Ashwell Prince, his franchise coach. Former Test batsman Prince said Paterson, 31, was in final sts of concluding a deal with unnamed county. Prince was explaining why Paterson's name was missing from a list of players contracted by Cape Cobras franchise for 2020/21 season anunced at a press conference on Monday.

Paterson played in third and fourth Tests against England in January, taking four wickets at an aver of 41.50. England won both matches. Although Paterson previously played in four one-day internationals and eight Twenty20 internationals for South Africa he was t selected for white-ball matches against England and Australia which followed England Tests, which Prince said was a factor in player's decision. If Paterson concludes a deal, he could be last of dozens of South Africans to benefit from Kolpak ruling which allows players from countries with trade deals with European Union to play sport in EU without being classified as overseas players.

With Britain having left EU, Kolpak deals in England are due to expire at end of 2020 season, which has been postponed because of COVID-19 outbreak. A Cape Cobras spokesman said that Paterson's deal was subject to approval from England and Wales Cricket Board. If approval was t forthcoming county would sign Paterson as an overseas player.